Mr. Potato Head
Mr. Potato Head is a classic toy that was originally created by George Lerner in the early 1950s. This unique toy initially consisted of various plastic facial features like eyes, ears, and noses, which children could attach to a real potato or any fruit or vegetable, allowing for creative play and endless combinations. In 1952, the toy was launched by Hasbro, then known as Hassenfeld Brothers, and quickly became popular, especially after being promoted through television advertisements. By 1953, Mrs. Potato Head was introduced, establishing the pair as beloved characters of the era.
Over the years, Mr. Potato Head evolved, with the addition of a hard plastic body in 1964 to eliminate the need for a real potato. The toy not only captured the spirit of the 1950s but also became a cultural icon, contributing to Hasbro's prominence in the toy industry. Mr. Potato Head has played a role in various social campaigns and even starred in the animated film Toy Story in 1995. By 2003, the toy had sold over fifty million units, showcasing its lasting appeal across generations.
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Mr. Potato Head
Identification Toy using a potato as a head
Date Entered the market in 1952
Manufacturer Hasbro, Inc.
Mr. Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on network television and the first major toy success for Hasbro, Inc.
The original Mr. Potato Head was created by George Lerner and did not have a body—buyers had to supply their own potatoes. It consisted of plastic pieces such as eyes, ears, noses, hats, and mustaches. The pieces had push pins that could be stuck into any piece of fruit or vegetable to create an endless variety of funny faces. Lerner sold his idea to Hassenfeld Brothers (later known as Hasbro), and on May 1, 1952, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Mr. Potato Head was born.
America was introduced to Mr. Potato Head through a television advertisement stating that he was the most wonderful friend a child could have. Mr. Potato Head was joined by Mrs. Potato Head in 1953, and they quickly became one of the hottest couples of the 1950’s. Mirroring the times, they became conspicuous consumers with their own convertible, boat, trailer, airplane, and locomotive. In 1964, a hard plastic potato “body” was included with the set to replace the need for a real potato.
Impact
By using the new medium of television, Mr. Potato Head became a cultural icon of the 1950’s. It secured Hasbro’s place as a major player in the toy industry. The toy has served as an ambassador for many causes, including antismoking, physical fitness, and voting. In 1995, he had a starring role in the movie Toy Story, and by 2003, more than fifty million Mr. Potato Heads had been sold.
Bibliography
King, Gil. Mr. Potato Head: Celebrating Fifty Years of One Sweet Potato. Philadelphia: Running Press, 2002. A small book about the life of Mr. Potato Head.
Wulffson, Don L. Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions. New York: Henry Holt, 2000. Includes a chapter titled “Mr. Potato Head.”